From awareness to action: EPN’s contribution to improving diabetes care
Diabetes is a growing public health challenge that requires more than awareness. Early diagnosis, access to quality-assured medicines, competent healthcare professionals and continuous patient support are essential to preventing complications and improving the quality of life of people living with the condition.
Under the 2026 World Diabetes Day theme, “Early Action on Diabetes,” the global community is being called upon to strengthen early detection, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve access to timely and quality care. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) emphasises that early action can accelerate access to care, reduce diabetes-related risks and improve health outcomes.
For EPN, this call reflects an important part of its longstanding work to strengthen pharmaceutical services within church health systems and improve access to essential medicines, particularly for underserved communities.
Strengthening diabetes care through church health systems
Recognising the challenges faced by faith-based health facilities in providing comprehensive diabetes services, EPN has implemented and supported interventions aimed at improving the quality of pharmaceutical care for people living with diabetes.
Through capacity development for healthcare professionals, EPN has strengthened knowledge and skills in diabetes management, medicine supply and stock management, appropriate dispensing practices and patient counselling. Its work has also supported improved availability and access to quality-assured diabetes medicines, strengthened diagnostic and screening services, and promoted patient education and community awareness. These efforts have subsequently contributed to stronger healthcare service delivery, better preparedness among healthcare professionals, improved medicine availability and more informed patient care within church health systems. By addressing gaps across the pharmaceutical care continuum, EPN has helped strengthen the capacity of faith-based health facilities to respond to the needs of people living with diabetes.
These experiences demonstrate that improving diabetes outcomes requires an integrated approach. Screening and diagnosis must be linked to appropriate treatment, reliable medicine supplies, effective pharmaceutical services, patient education and follow-up care.
Advancing EPN’s mission and strategic priorities
EPN’s broader programme approach focuses on strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals, improving supply chain management, promoting quality assurance and supporting the appropriate use of essential medicines. As EPN advances its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, these priorities remain important to building stronger and more resilient church health systems capable of delivering quality pharmaceutical services and responding to the changing health needs of communities. Ultimately, this work contributes to EPN’s vision and supports the wider goal of universal health coverage by ensuring that access to essential medicines and pharmaceutical care is not determined by geographical location or economic circumstances.
Moving from early diagnosis to sustained care
This World Diabetes Day, EPN calls for stronger collaboration among church health systems, governments, healthcare professionals, communities and development partners to advance early action on diabetes. Early diagnosis must be accompanied by affordable and uninterrupted access to quality-assured medicines, appropriate counselling and continuous care. Healthcare professionals must be equipped to recognise diabetes, support timely referral and help patients manage their conditions. Communities must also have access to reliable information that encourages early screening and healthier choices.
Early action saves lives, but sustained access to quality pharmaceutical care helps people live healthier lives.
Through its network and partnerships, EPN remains committed to strengthening pharmaceutical systems, supporting healthcare professionals and advancing equitable access to quality medicines and services for all.
Together, let us act early, strengthen care and sustain the last mile.